The First Step to Protecting Your New Fence? Adjust Your Irrigation

Getting a new fence is a significant investment, adding privacy, security, and aesthetic appeal to your property. However, from the very first day of installation, your fence is under attack. Surprisingly, the threat does not come from insects, harsh weather, or even neighborhood kids—it comes from your irrigation system. Particularly if you use reclaimed water, your sprinkler system could be causing slow but steady damage to your fence.

Many homeowners assume that water from their sprinklers helps keep their fence clean. In reality, this assumption couldn’t be further from the truth. High-pressure irrigation heads, especially those using reclaimed water, can cause long-term issues that shorten the lifespan of your fence. In this article, we’ll discuss the dangers irrigation poses to different types of fencing and the steps you can take to protect your investment.

How Irrigation Systems Damage Vinyl and Aluminum Fences

Vinyl privacy fences and aluminum picket fences are often chosen for their durability and low maintenance. However, when exposed to regular irrigation, they can develop serious issues:

• High-Pressure Damage: Sprinkler heads emit water at high pressure, which can lead to pitting on the surface of vinyl and aluminum fences. These tiny indentations allow dirt to accumulate, creating a breeding ground for algae and mold.
• Reclaimed Water Contaminants: If your system uses reclaimed water, you may be unknowingly spraying contaminants onto your fence. Reclaimed water contains small particles of dirt, debris, and even fecal matter, all of which can stain and discolor your fence over time.
• Powder Coating Wear on Aluminum Fences: The continuous exposure to sprinkler water can lead to the breakdown of the protective powder coating on aluminum fences. This coating helps prevent rust and chipping, but when worn down by high-pressure water, the fence becomes more vulnerable to environmental damage.

How Irrigation Systems Damage Wooden Fences

While vinyl and aluminum fences suffer from pitting and staining, wooden fences face an even more severe problem—moisture retention leading to decay.

• Accelerated Rotting: Wood is naturally porous, which means it absorbs water easily. If an irrigation system sprays a wooden fence regularly, especially in shaded areas, the wood will remain damp. Over time, this constant moisture exposure leads to premature rot, weakening the structure.
• Discoloration and Staining: Just like with vinyl and aluminum fences, reclaimed water will leave unsightly stains on wood fence. The dirt and debris in the water will stick to the wet wood, making it appear aged and dirty.
• Mulch and Moisture Issues: Many homeowners place mulch near the base of their fence, which retains moisture. Combined with frequent irrigation, this creates the perfect environment for the wood to break down much faster than it should. The combination of standing water and organic material accelerates the decay process, leading to costly repairs or replacement.

The Solution: Adjusting Your Irrigation System

The good news is that the damage caused by irrigation can be prevented. The key to protecting your new fence is to adjust your irrigation system immediately after installation. Here’s how:

1. Evaluate Your Sprinkler Placement

   • Check if your irrigation heads are spraying directly onto your fence.
   • If they are, note which heads need to be adjusted or relocated.

2. Adjust or Replace Sprinkler Heads

   • Many modern sprinkler heads allow for angle adjustments, meaning you can redirect the spray away from your fence.
   • If needed, replace certain sprinkler heads with drip irrigation or low-angle heads to reduce fence exposure.

3. Hire an Irrigation Professional

   • If you’re unsure about how to adjust your irrigation system properly, consider hiring an irrigation expert.
   • A professional can fine-tune your system, ensuring that all plants receive sufficient water while keeping your fence dry.

4. Add or Move Sprinkler Heads Where Necessary

   • When a new wood fence is installed, it can create barriers that prevent certain areas from receiving water.
   • To avoid this issue, additional sprinkler heads may be required to water these obstructed areas without hitting the fence.

5. Consider Alternative Watering Methods

   • Instead of traditional sprinklers, you may want to switch to drip irrigation, soaker hoses, or underground watering systems. These methods target plant roots directly without unnecessary overspray.

Conclusion: Protect Your Fence for Long-Term Durability

Your fence is an essential feature of your property, and protecting it from unnecessary damage should be a priority. While irrigation may seem harmless, its high pressure, potential contaminants, and moisture-retention effects can significantly reduce the lifespan of your fence.

By taking proactive steps—such as adjusting sprinkler angles, hiring an irrigation expert, or switching to alternative watering methods—you can ensure that your fence remains in excellent condition for years to come. At Gifford Fence Company LLC, we highly recommend making these adjustments as soon as your fence is installed, helping you get the maximum life expectancy from your investment.

Don’t let your irrigation system work against you. Take action today and keep your fence looking new and strong for years!